Team Likeys.com

Team Number: 30

Race Position: 9

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Members:  Gary Davies, Kris Smith, Paul Pickering, Natalie Taylor

The squad (previously known as Team UK Adventure Sports Magazine) was formed in 2008 with the intention of bringing together (relatively) young, strong and promising individuals, who had a common goal of racing in multi-day and expedition Adventure Races. The team members met through events located in Southern England & Wales, such as Ace Races, Questars, Dynamic Adventure Races and Rat Races.

Since forming in 2008, the squad have gained some experience in expedition and multi-day AR races including Portugal XPD 2008, UntamedNE 2009 and Portugal XPD ARWC 2009. This particular group of 4 people have never raced together in a multi-day race and are looking forward to putting up with each others’ antics at the Terrex!

Gary Davies is the oldest team member (the others are pretty young!) and considers himself to be a jack-of-all trades but master of none! He first experienced AR in 2007 and the rest as they say is history. He’s the team organiser and ‘old head’. Gary competed in  UntamedNE 2009 and Portugal XPD ARWC 2009.

Kris Smith is regarded as the team horse because he eats like one (especially chocolate) and can keep going forever. He’s pretty easy going and is a great positive guy to have in any team. He’s a good orienteer on both foot and bike and will deputise for Paul when required.  Kris competed in Portugal XPD 2008 and Portugal XPD ARWC 2009.

Paul Pickering has a long background in orienteering and is the team’s main navigator. A good all-rounder on foot, bike, kayak and in a harness. He also competes in the British Military Pentathlon Team. Paul competed in Portugal XPD 2008 and Portugal XPD ARWC 2009.

Natalie Taylor is the one that prevents the testosterone from boiling over! She competed in UntamedNE 2009 and supported the squad in Portugal XPD ARWC 2009. She therefore knows how much the boys like faffing and treats them like children when the need arises! She is also a qualified medic which might be useful for Kris’ feet!

The team is supported by Likeys who specialise in outdoor gear for adventurous minds. The online store is run by people experienced in endurance sports in extreme climates (both hot and cold) who are always available to answer specific questions on kit for your outdoor activities. Kris’ and Gary’s favourite pieces of kit are the Montane Atomic DT jacket and trousers which are lightweight, breathable and waterproof (even after several expedition races) which are always great to have in any adventure race.